International Drive

Traffic, tourists and hidden treasures

Mention to most locals that you’re planning to take a leisurely trip down to International Drive, and you’re likely to get eye-rolls. The city’s most clogged commercial strip is a congested artery of chain restaurants and crappy gift shops. But if you look beyond the hordes of sunburnt Brits and half-baked tourist traps, there’s a surprising wealth of ethnic eateries, oddball amusements and innovative entertainments to be unearthed along here. From the massive outlet malls on the northern end – which attract free-spending South Americans like moths to a high-fashion flame – to the ginormous convention center, natives know how to hit the strip’s highlights commando-style without getting stuck in the snarl. Just be sure you have a full tank of gas and some emergency rations before trying to cross the infamous intersections at Kirkman and Sand Lake roads.

GO

MegaCon
March 21-23, 2014
Orange County Convention Centermegaconvention.com
Sci-fi and fantasy fan convention with film, television and comic book celebrities like Stan Lee, Wil Wheaton and Ron Perlman.